April 22 2013
Gibbston Valley mountain bike resort soft opening
Queenstown’s new Rabbit Ridge Bike Resort will have a ‘soft’ opening on April 27 with riding available on some of the
newly constructed trails. Rider numbers are limited to invitation only to reduce traffic and enable trails to bed in.
Invited local bikers, bike shop owners and front line staff will get to try out the new trails for the first time this
weekend (April 27/28) at the new bike ‘playground’ on 400 hectares of land adjacent to Queenstown’s award-winning
Gibbston Valley Winery.
Locals eagerly anticipating the opening of the new resort will then be able to ride the trails on Free Locals Days
scheduled for the first Saturday of every month, starting May 4.
This week’s soft opening is being organised by local bike business Around the Basin together with Gibbston Valley
Winery.
“The opening of the resort is being staged with limited riding available over winter to minimise any potential damage
and allow trails to ‘bed in’,” said Rabbit Ridge manager Steve Norton.
“Extensive initial trails have been built with more underway and we’re planning to run a series of events out there
throughout winter, including night riding and endurance races, which we’ll announce as we have more information.
“This terrain really is stunning. It’s world-class and a mountain biker’s paradise, with a range of accessible trails
already in place and suitable for everyone.”
A grand opening is planned for September when the park will be officially opened to the public when trails are fully
constructed and bedded in.
Gibbston Valley Winery CEO Greg Hunt said the company was “delighted” to put the company’s stunning Gibbston Valley
Station land to such good use for visitors and locals.
“Rabbit Ridge Bike Resort will form an integral part of activities being offered in Gibbston for visitors,” he said.
“With the Queenstown Bike Trail linking Queenstown, Arrowtown and Gibbston, bike enthusiasts are heading to Gibbston to
enjoy the scenery, the bike trails and the wineries. The Rabbit Ridge Bike Resort is a logical addition and will tie in
with consented activities on Gibbston Valley Station including accommodation opportunities, food and wine, walking
trails and golf,” he said.
Designed and developed by trail builder Ben Rafferty, the first tracks to open will provide a unique family-friendly
resort with a base area for relaxing between runs.
Rabbit Ridge Bike Resort will ultimately feature 30km of tracks suitable for all levels of riders and initial trails
include a new bike trail linking the resort with Gibbston Valley Winery.
It will be the area’s only year-round dedicated and serviced bike resort and is aimed at helping put Queenstown on the
map with biking enthusiasts everywhere. While perfect for families and entry level bikers, it also has more challenging
trails for experienced riders, all set in a spectacular remote setting.
Packages for guided riding experiences will be available from Monday April 29 2013. Bookings can be made at www.rabbitridge.co.nz.
About Gibbston Valley Winery
Gibbston Valley Winery is a pioneer in the wine industry in Central Otago and is home to New Zealand’s largest and
innovative wine cave, available for wine tours, private functions, weddings and special occasions, the new Barrel Room
for C functions and weddings, and a retail outlet. The multi award-winning winery expanded in December 2012 when it opened
the Vintners Kitchen experience and General Store at the Gibbston winery, and the Tasting Room in Arrowtown.
About Rabbit Ridge Bike Resort and Around the Basin
Rabbit Ridge Resort is managed by Steve Norton from Around the Basin in conjunction with Gibbston Valley Winery. Around
the Basin Ltd offers supported and guided cycle adventures as well as a cycle shuttle service within the Wakatipu Basin
and Southern Lakes regions including the Rabbit Ridge Bike Park. Around the Basin (ATB) caters for beginner and
intermediate riders wanting a quality cycling experience in one of the most beautiful areas of New Zealand, renowned for
its spectacular scenery.
ENDS